Mets sign Nick Madrigal as infield depth while Jose Iglesias remains unsigne

  • January 21, 2026 5:52 PM PST

    The Mets will have an additional experienced infielder to consider for a utility role this spring. Nick Madrigal, a player known for his glove, was signed Friday, according to the Mets, to a split major league contract. The major league portion of the contract is worth $1.35 million, according to The Posts Joel Sherman, and contains another $500,000 in performance bonuses. Madrigal, 27, spent the last three seasons with the Cubs. Last year, he appeared in 51 games and produced a .535 OPS. The Mets signed Nick Madrigal to a one-year deal. Getty Images Explore More He will join another former Cubs player, Jared Young, in camp as somebody with MLB experience vying for an infield job. Jose Iglesias shined in a utility infield role for the Mets last season, but there hasnt been much impetus at this point for a reunion, according to industry sources. Iglesias hasnt been ruled out, but team officials also dont believe its nece sary to add another veteran backup given the number Nelson Cruz Jersey of infielders within the farm system who might be ready to contribute this year. Jose Iglesias remains a free agent. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Its a list that includes Luisangel Acuna, Ronny Mauricio and Jett Williams. The Mets also began playing Brett Baty at second base at Triple-A Syracuse in the second half of last season. Mauricio mi sed all of last season rehabbing from surgery to repair a torn anterior circulate ligament he underwent a subsequent procedure to remove scar ti sue from the knee and its po sible he wont be an option to begin the season with the club. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! But a player such as Madrigal can be used as a bridge if Mauricio or Acuna isnt deemed as the best option to begin the season with the club. The Mets took a similar approach last year, opening the season with Zack Short and Joey Wendle on the roster. Both were removed from the equation by late May, giving Iglesias an opportunity with the club. Nick Madrigal spent the last three years with the Cubs. Getty Images As it stands, the Mets are unsettled in the infield as Pete Alonsos free agency continues. If Alonso is not re-signed, Mark Vientos and Baty figure into the plan at first base. But if the Mets and Alonso can still reach an agreement, it would allow Vientos to remain at third. Tanner Scott Jersey